Remember back, to that time you were put in a situation completely unprepared.  The thought of a big one of mine still makes me cringe and feel fluish.   It was clear I hadn’t invested in myself.   It was that moment for me that I made a conscious decision that I want to make sure that I make decisions outside the heat of the moment because I know sometimes when pressure arrives and temptation arrives it’s so easy to let your feelings lead.   I have to ask myself. What is it that I value most? And what I value most is my relationship with Jesus. From that place is where I want to make all of my decisions. And in any situation there’s three questions I go through in my mind.   One. Does this make me more like Jesus? I want to look like Jesus as much as I can right now. I want to have the aroma of Christ around me.   Two. Does this push me closer to Jesus?   Three. Does this help me make a difference for Jesus? I want as many people to experience what I get to experience every single day. I’m constantly going through those things in my mind and in my head.   Romans 12 paints a beautiful picture for us “. . .do not conform to patterns of this world, But be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” And then it goes on to say “then, you will be able to attest and approve what God’s will is.”  And it shows us that the second part is contingent on that first part right? We have to renew our minds, we have to constantly be feeding ourselves, feeding our spirit, reading God‘s word, surrounding ourselves with the right people, we need to be in church, we need to be worshiping. . .  all the things that prepares us and gets us ready---gets us ready to know when to say yes, when to say no, when to walk away and when to stand up.   Whatever your pressure looks like, we all get squeezed-- take time to invest in yourself because that’s what’s going to prepare you for your moment-- big moments, when temptation arrives, stress comes, life knocks you down--- so that you have what it takes to stand and to know who you are and to whom you belong.   Whatever it is that you’re wanting isn’t validation . . .and if it doesn’t happen, it’s not rejection. It’s redirection for God‘s best for your life. God says you’re worthy. God says that you’re more than enough.   In the midst of hard days like these, there is room for connection, reflection, laughter, and inspiration.  I think all of us would agree that we want to look back on this time knowing we clung to hope and loved well.  If you would like to share your story, amy@thehousefm.com   Big Hug to you, Amy